I have a master's degree in Danish and physical education from SDU. As a researcher, I do cultural analyses. During the preparation of my PhD thesis on sports and health perceptions, I was associated with the Center for Cultural Research at AU, where center director Lars-Henrik Schmidt's guidance was a great inspiration. Otherwise, my research approach is largely influenced by readings of Karl Mannheim, C.Wright Mills, and Roy Bashkar.
I research sports and body culture, with a particular focus on elite sports and body cultural extremes. What makes elite sports fascinating is that it operates as a purely competitive environment. Studying elite sports can therefore provide valuable insights into the dynamics of a society that increasingly emphasizes and is shaped by competition. Likewise, extreme forms of physical culture are particularly intriguing because they vividly challenge and expose taken-for-granted cultural norms.
I am a dedicated and committed educator. While I strive to foster a respectful and engaging learning environment for students, I also aim to challenge students, critically examine their arguments and perspectives, and encourage them to think deeply and constructively about the issues at hand. On the one hand, I expect my students to make an effort and be dedicated and on the other, I aim to support their individual development and help them reach their potential.
In addition to my core tasks of research, teaching and supervision, I am the head of the research group Sport and Body Culture. Outside of the department, I am chairman of the external examiners for the physical education programs in Denmark, and a member of Aarhus University's research ethics committee.